Celebrate the arrival of summer with a sparkle for every summertime occasion.

With the summer social season in full swing and our lawns and parks looking greener than a vineyard, there couldn’t be a better time to embrace the garden party atmosphere and break open a bottle of bubbly.

Whether it’s at a high-profile sporting event, or just a fun fixture in the diary, there’s a champagne or sparkling wine to mark the occasion and make it a day to remember.

BUDGET BUBBLES

Depending on which side of the fence you sit, Lidl have a cracking good cava which will make a ham sandwich and a pot of olives taste that more special with its lemony freshness – Allini Cava Brut NV, Spain (£4.99, Lidl).

Alternatively, Allini Prosecco Spumante 2014, Italy (£5.29, Lidl) is a sweetish fizz with pretty peach notes that will perk up a prawn mayonnaise sandwich.

Both own label medal winners, they’re a steal at the price.

Undated Handout Photo of Nicolas Feuillatte 1/4 bottles in Brut and Rose, available from John Lewis. See PA Feature DRINK Sparkling. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature DRINK Sparkling

FESTIVAL FIZZ

The ultimate arm candy for pleasure seekers, admittedly you’ll have to invest in a few of these Nicolas Feuillatte 1/4 bottles in Brut and Rose (Brut Reserve £10, Rose £12, John Lewis), but think how stylish you’ll look.

Each comes with a silky black wrist strap and depending on your mood (and outfit), the Brut is vibrant and fresh, while the Rose is more fun and fruity.

GARDEN PARTY

A Spanish gem that offers everything in the style stakes, Elyssia Cava Pinot Noir Brut (currently £45, reduced from £89.94, case of 6, equivalent to £7.50 per bottle, www.tesco.com) is a rapturous raspberry pink with fresh summer fruit aromas.

The tiny beads of bubbles caress the palate with raspberry, cherry, and redcurrant flavours that merge seamlessly with bright acidity on the graceful finish.

From the cava heartland of Catalonia, serve this attractive-looking rose with smoked salmon blinis and light summer salads.

SUMMER SOCIAL

Possibly the best address in Venice, the owners of the Hotel Cipriani (and founder’s of Harry’s Bar) cite Collalbrigo Brut, Prosecco, Italy (£11.95, www.vineyardsdirect.com) as one of the finest examples.

A brut style (drier than extra dry prosecco which has a touch of sweetness), your friends will never tire of its floral aromas and classic pear and peach fruitiness with fresh minerality.

Just make sure there’s plenty to go round so you don’t run dry. Or supplement it by topping the flutes up with white peach juice for the perfect Bellini.

POSH PICNIC

Undated Handout Photo of Krug Grande Cuvee, available from fortnumandmason.com. See PA Feature DRINK Sparkling. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature DRINK SparklingA seriously good sparkler from Down Under, Jansz Brut NV, Tasmania, Australia (£16, Oddbins) is a rich, biscuity, food-friendly style that has similar flavours to an aged champagne.

The island of Tasmania is renowned for its quality sparkling wine and this A-list producer delivers every time.

Soft and buttery with enough weight to match a variety of foods, it’s so approachable, chances are the bottle will be finished before you’ve had time to tuck into the poached salmon sarnies and crab rolls.

About The Author

Yorkshire's only dedicated food and drink website from Yorkshire Post Newspapers and its sister titles in the region. Showcasing everything Yorkshire has to offer from the fruits of the sea to the fields of the moors and beyond. It includes unbiased restaurant reviews by renowned food critics, recipes and 'how to' videos from some of Yorkshire's finest chefs and latest food and drink news and blogs from around our amazing county. And you can have your say either on the site or via our Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Let us know what you think

comments